This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

Illuminated hearts first started appearing in people's windows in the east end of Toronto in September 2020. They were created by a small business in the east end as an expression of support for frontline workers during the pandemic. Glowing hearts first appeared slowly and then snowballed across the city.

My sister was an early adopter and we would go for evening walks and notice them in their many colours. She told me that as soon as pandemic restrictions were removed, she would put her heart away until the next pandemic. She did put it away for a short time but soon returned it to her window. The symbolic meaning of the glowing heart had changed. It now represented a commitment to be neighbourly and to care about your local community.

I brought one to Ottawa. As I began my habit of 10,000 steps each day, I would occasionally see a heart in a window. I would wonder why they had it. Do they have children studying in Toronto? Did they move here like I did? When I realized the heart now means caring about your neighbours, I brought mine to St John's. The heart says love, safety, and being neigbhourly. I added the Canadian flag to my office window on February 15.

Come and be with us as we love God and love our neighbours. Worship with us this Sunday 8:00 and 10:15. Stay for lunch and learn about our ministry in the meeting that follows.

Gary+

SCRIPTURES - Sunday, February 23 - 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50; Luke 6:27-38

SCRIPTURES - Sunday, March 2 - 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-43a

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Worship recordings include prayers, readings, a sermon, and music.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany - February 16, 2025

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany - February 9, 2025

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany - February 2, 2025

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

THIS SATURDAY

CHURCH SAFETY WORKSHOP

Saturday, February 22, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Warriors' Chapel

This workshop, based on the principles of Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, will show you how to engage with and support people in distress. Facilitated by India Bedson, it is ideal for church volunteers and Community Thrift Shop volunteers who engage with the public, and will include de-escalation training with street-involved individuals.

There is no fee but registration is required. We currently have 17 participants, including parishioners, Thrift Shop volunteers, and representatives of our 4 Amigos church congregations.

We have capacity for 25 participants - so there is room for you to join if you let us know.

Please confirm your participation by email HERE.

COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

Saturday, February 22

Ottawa's Coldest Night of the Year event is a 5 km walk to support the Ottawa Mission. The Ottawa Mission has 17 programs to meet the needs of our most vulnerable community members, including: emergency food and shelter; health services; mental health; addiction treatment programs; hospice care; dental services; housing services; educational support; job training; spiritual care; and clothing to thousands in need in our community.

Support the Ottawa Mission by walking with Barbara Dorrell - and by sponsoring her team, the B&R's Walkers. You can also sponsor Barbara by seeing her in person on Sunday during coffee time or by donating online HERE.

THIS SUNDAY

AFRICAN FESTIVAL

Sunday, February 23, 10:15 a.m.

St John's African Festival was postponed by the snow last Sunday. We have moved our celebration to this coming Sunday. The 10:15 service includes singing and dancing followed by a delicious lunch of African cooking. Our annual meeting will follow and everyone is invited to stay.

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

Sunday, February 23, 1:00 p.m.

Please join us as we review 2024, nominate people for leadership roles, and pass our budget for 2025. The Annual Report is available online in two parts. Please click here for the Annual Report. and Financials. There will be a few paper copies available on Sunday.

The meeting start time is our best guess taking into account the African Festival celebrations and lunch. You're invited for lunch whether or not you're able to be part of the service or the Vestry meeting.

Please note that everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the Vestry discussion.

In order to vote on motions, the Canons of the Diocese require that you first sign a declaration that says you are a regular worshipper at St John's, that you will not vote at any other church's Vestry, and that you regularly support St John's ministry with financial contributions. There will be a sheet for you to sign this declaration at the meeting.

GET READY FOR LENT

The Judean Desert where Jesus spent the Forty Days

Lent is our season of preparation for Easter. It takes inspiration from Jesus' forty days in the wilderness, where he endured temptations and came to clarity about how God was calling him. We observe Lent with a forty-day period, this year from March 5 to April 18 (not including the Sundays).

During that time, you are invited to have a personal discipline that reminds you that you are preparing for Christ's death and resurrection. You might fast from some food or add an activity of your choice. Whatever discipline you choose is intended to bring you closer to God's love. In addition to your personal discipline, here is how St John's observes Lent.

BURNING PALMS: Note that the ashes come from burning our palm crosses on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Palms were blessed and given last year on Palm Sunday. Bring back your palms! Place them in the basket at the back of the church over the next three weeks and join us as we burn them on Sunday, March 2 following the 10:15 service.

ASH WEDNESDAY: Lent begins with a sign of the cross in ashes on your forehead, and the words, "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." Come to the Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday March 5 at 7:30 p.m. (Alternative time: 12:15 p.m. at Church of the Ascension, 253 Echo Drive).

SOUP SUPPER: We come together for a meal right before the Ash Wednesday service. In addition to sharing food, our guest speaker helps us to pray for others as well as ourselves. Please see the Soup Supper announcement below.

LENT PROGRAM: Lent often includes a shared opportunity for study, learning and reflection. Our Lifelong Learning Group has chosen "Let Light Shine," created by St George's College, part of St George's Anglican Cathedral in Jerusalem. This study features a weekly six-minute video, scripture passage, and four-page reflection focusing on themes Jesus experienced in his ministry. This year's themes include the desert, the water well, the mountain, the sea, the road, and the garden. Watch and read on your own time and bring a sandwich lunch each Sunday. We will make a discussion circle in the Parish Hall immediately following the 10:15 service. Take an advance look at Let Light Shine HERE.

SUNDAY LITURGY: Our Sunday worship will have some changes focused on prayer, confession, and asking God's support.

COMING SOON

GOSPEL OF LUKE READ-THROUGH

Sunday, March 2, 12:00 p.m.

Join us for the second half of Luke's Gospel. We will read aloud around the circle from Luke Chapter 14 to the end of Luke Chapter 24. Get to know the flow of the story in advance of the events of Holy Week and Easter. We will meet in the Upper Choir Room following the 10:15 service. Bring a sandwich, get a drink, and come read with us.

CHILDREN'S SERVICE

TRANFIGURATION

Sunday, March 2, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

This children's worship service will feature a Bible story, craft, an informal Eucharist, snack, and lots of free play. The Transfiguration story features shimmering light and we will explore themes of light. We look forward to adding music and singing to our activity as we welcome St John's new Director of Music, Nick Busch. We will meet in the Upper Choir Room.

ASH WEDNESDAY SOUP SUPPER

Wednesday, March 5, 5:30 p.m.

Please join us in the Parish Hall for supper to support Alongside Hope (new name for the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund). Enjoy a meal of homemade soups, bread and rolls. Special welcome to this year's guest speaker:

Bart Dickinson

Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator

PWRDF/Alongside Hope

There is no charge to participate.

Donations of homemade soups and bread/rolls are most welcome.

Help us plan for numbers on the Sign-up Sheet

at the back of the church.

The Ash Wednesday Service will follow at 7:30 p.m.

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES THIS WEEK

In this Sunday's scripture, Jesus' teaches about love. He says we are to love our enemies. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." It probably made people angry but it's what he said. Have a look at the whole passage (Luke 6:27-38). Are you able to do this?

Cooking for the African Festival lunch: Scout, Deborah, and Anastasie

Winterlude ice sculpture for the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag - first raised on February 15, 1965.

The church looks beautiful in the snow. Snow has made parking challenging but we look forward to clearer streets with overnight snow removal every night this week. Remember that you can park at City Hall for the terrific weekend price of $2.00 for 12 hours.

See details below.

TAKE NOTE

IN MEMORIAM

Mary Timms

Mary Timms died peacefully in Hamilton, Ontario on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Mary and her husband David were active members of St John’s from 2009 - 2020. They moved to Hamilton to live close to three of their children and their families. They maintained their connection to St John’s through the online services during the pandemic and the weekly newsletter. Mary and David found their spiritual home at St John’s - Mary was a shop volunteer and together they were part of the bridge group. Click HERE for the full obituary.

E-TRANSFER UPDATE

We now have a new email address for e-transfers. To make a donation through e-transfer please send to accounts@stjohnsottawa.ca

CHARITABLE DONATIONS TAX RECEIPTS

Tax receipts for 2024 donations to St. John’s have been prepared. They will be at the back of the church for parishioners to pick up on Sunday, February 2^ndand Sunday, February 9^th. Those not picked up will be mailed out after February 9^th. A printout of quarterly donations by category is included with the receipt. Please review this to ensure that you have been credited with the full amount of your donation to St. John’s for 2024. Should you have any questions please email Peggy Lister, Envelope Secretary, at peggylister@rogers.com or leave a message for me at the church office.

SMUDGING BEFORE YOU WORSHIP

In the cold winter months, it's a challenge for St John's Indigenous leaders to be outside offering smudge. Kimberly Johnson, St John's Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, has sourced smudge from medicines steeped in distilled water from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. The four medicines - tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass - continue to be present on the medicine table for the dry smudge version, consisting of rubbing the medicines in your hands and drawing the scented air of the smudge towards your face and body. Liquid smudge is a spray vapour drawn towards your face and body in the same manner.

Smudge before worship is an invitation to focus and be present as we worship Creator. Learn more in conversation with St John's Indigenous Engagement Coordinator Kimberly Johnson.

WHERE TO PARK NEAR THE CHURCH

2-HOUR PARKING - Somerset east of Elgin (i.e., adjacent to the Church) and MacLaren and Gilmour east of Elgin. 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, 7 days per week (including on Sundays).

3-HOUR PARKING - Somerset west of Elgin. Maximum 2-hour parking, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday; no restriction on Sunday!

ALWAYS CHECK THE PARKING METER!

Meter indicates times when you need to pay for parking. Most street parking is free on Sundays in the neighbourhood. Note that in the above photo of a meter, the 2-hour MAX limit still applies on Saturday/Sunday.

PARKING FOR LONGER VISITS

Park at City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave West. Parking Rates:

MONDAY - FRIDAY:

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM: $2.00 per 30 mins, $20 max

6:00 PM to 6:00 AM: $1.00 per hr, $2.00 max

WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS:

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM: $1.00 per hr/$2.00 max

6:00 PM to 6:00 AM: $1.00 per hr/$2.00 max

LOOKING AHEAD

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Every Sunday

Worship Services at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. (Summer schedule is one service at 9:30 from June 1 to Labour Day).

Saturday, February 22

Church Safety Workshop: See description above and confirm your participation by email HERE

Sunday, February 23

African Festival. Black History Month at St John's features music, singing and dancing, and a lunch of regional home cooking from Africa.
Annual Vestry Meeting, 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 25

Nick Busch begins as St John's new Director of Music

Sunday, March 2

Gospel Read-Through Part 2: Gospel of Luke 14:1-24:53. Get to know the flow of this year's featured gospel in time for Lent and Holy Week
Children's Transfiguration Service, 3-5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5

Ash Wednesday. Soup Supper to Support PWRDF. Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m. You are invited to attend a daytime service at 12:15 at Church of the Ascension, 253 Echo Drive.

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

Prayers for those in leadership roles: Gary, Allen, Christina, Pat, Kimberly, Kerry, Jesse, Monica, Barb, Jeff, Marianne, and all who minister at St John's.

Prayer Requests: Alice, David, Inga & Liam

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan and Acting Primate.
Staff at Ascension House.
St. Mark the Evangelist, Ottawa and all who minister there.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Most Rev. David Edwards, Archbishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Fredericton.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The dean, council, and congregations of the Grand River and Thames Areas of the Eastern Synod.

Moravian Church in Canada

The anniversary of the founding of the Unitas Fratrum (or Unity of the Brethren) on March 1, 1457, in Bohemia.
The Moravian Church has joined Full Communion with Anglicans and Lutherans - read about the Moravian Church HERE

Together

An end to human trafficking and modern slavery.

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil.

Flowers

The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Eeke de Vries and Arie Verduijn by their daughter Emmy Verdun.

Parish Prayer Group

If you wish to have someone prayed for, send an email to:

office@stjohnsottawa.ca

DONATE

CANADA HELPS QR CODE

e-transfer accounts@stjohnsottawa.ca

HOW YOU CAN DONATE TO ST JOHN'S

Identified donations to St John’s are charitable donations and are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Receipts for donations made directly through St John’s are usually generated on an annual basis. Donations to St John’s through Canada Helps are receipted by Canada Helps.

Here are the different ways that you can give:

E-Transfer

accounts@stjohnsottawa.ca

PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance)

Enrol in the PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) program, whereby a designated monthly amount is withdrawn from a parishioner’s bank account or credit card. Peggy Lister, the Envelope Secretary, will provide you with the application form required to enrol in this program.

Weekly Offering Envelopes

Use identified weekly offering envelopes to make your cash or cheque donation to St John’s. A request for such envelopes goes to Peggy Lister, the Envelope Secretary, who will provide the envelopes.

Cash or Cheque Donation on Sunday

Make a cash or cheque contribution during a weekly service. The donation must be identified (i.e. a name & address on the envelope or a cheque with the donor’s information) if the donor wishes to receive a charitable receipt for the donation.

Canada Helps

Make a donation to St John’s through Canada Helps by scanning the QR code on the weekly bulletin, the QR code on the sign at the back of the church or through the ‘donate’ button on the St John’s website. Canada Helps donations can be for a single time or set up as an on-going monthly donation.

With thanks to God for your generous support